With a 2013 recruiting class that was ranked tops in black college football and a slew of transfers from schools such as Florida, West Virginia, Southern Miss. and Arkansas State to go along with a talented core of returners such as SWAC Newcomer of the Year running back Isaiah Crowell, the Hornets could be among the early favorites in the conference.

Watch coach Reggie Barlow talk about acclimating the new guys into his system and his hopes for the newcomers in this short clip.

Nick Birdsong covers HBCU sports for al.com. He can be reached at 205-325-2327 or nbirdsong@al.com. Follow him on Twitter @birds_word.